The Spaniard produced a near faultless display despite being shifted to right-back to accommodate Martin O’Neill’s new defensive trio. “It was a very big match,” said Cuellar. “It is probably the best of my Villa career. It was probably because when you play away against Birmingham, their supporters are strong so you have to do well.

“This derby was different to derbies in Spain and Scotland but it’s very close in terms of atmosphere and the feelings from the supporters.”

Cuellar praised the impact of debutants Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock after his fellow defenders helped to keep a clean sheet. “I don’t know them very well but I know already they are good players and good people,” he added. “They are going to help this team.

“We have had a very good start, we now have four wins in a row. We have good momentum, good confidence and we are doing well.”

Cuellar was the only surviving member of the back four from the Fulham victory after Nicky Shorey, Habib Beye and Ciaran Clark were dropped. And the rugged centre-back insisted he was content to continue playing out of position at right-back providing he kept his place in O’Neill’s first team.

“I like to play every game,” added Cuellar.

“If I have to play on the right, I play on the right or in the middle or centre-forward.